This February is a sweet Black History Month for one woman: Virginia McLaurin, a centenarian who turned her visit to the White House into a dance party with the first black presidential couple. The 106-year-old, dressed to the nines in a teal dress suit, met president Barack Obama and first lady Michelle yesterday (Feb. 21):
When the president came out to meet McLaurin, she opened up her arms to greet him. ”Slow down now!” Barack teased when she soon hurried past him to meet Michelle.
https://media.giphy.com/media/iQBKLpW1WJ1Zu/giphy.gif
McLaurin’s age isn’t just significant in terms of her good health—it also means she personally witnessed a dramatic evolution in US race relations. Over the past century, the Virginia woman lived through the civil rights movement and saw the country elect—and reelect—its first black Commander-in-Chief.
“I thought I would never live to get in the White House,” McLaurin told the Obamas; she had run a savvy social media campaign and online petition to fulfill her dream. “We are so happy to have you here!” Michelle Obama responded.
https://media.giphy.com/media/jHruYz84KqeUE/giphy.gif
The first lady added that the secret to dancing at 106 years old must be to “just keep moving,” shaking her hips with her guest.